Chapter 41

“I can’t believe you’re this ungrateful. Haven’t you hurt Jennifer enough already?” Nick couldn’t hold back his words.

He had no idea when Natalie had become so lively; her previously sullen character had always upset him.

In fact, Natalie was just showing her true nature now. Raised with affection, she was naturally vivacious. But since returning to the Simpson family, she had been restrained by endless rules.

She had transformed herself into someone completely different for these heartless people, and it was the decision she regretted most.

Now, Natalie was herself again–laughing freely, speaking her mind, and doing whatever she pleased without needing to pretend to be serious. This freedom made her feel at ease.

“Mr. Simpson, I swear I have never hurt Jennifer. It’s actually you two who keep framing me. I won’t give you that chance again.” Natalie looked at him with a radiant smile.

Nick’s chest heaved with anger, realizing how sharp-tongued Natalie had become.

“Natalie, tonight’s party is for foreign guests. You didn’t even finish high school; how will you communicate with them? Leave now and don’t embarrass us.” Nick was unwilling to let others know he had such a disgraceful daughter.

Jennifer, too, was worried Natalie would make a fool of herself and embarrass her in turn. She had a piano performance tonight, which was secured for her by Easton. She intended to shine on her own and capture the Chambers family’s attention.

However, she wasn’t worried Natalie would expose her secrets, thinking no one would believe Natalie anyway.

“Natalie, I know you’ve been—" Jennifer started.

That set Natalie off. “Jennifer, why do you always try to use my divorce to feel superior? Easton’s already yours, so why do you keep reminding him of me, his ex-wife? Can’t you come up with a different way to insult me?”

“And when I do treat you as human, try to act like one. Stop jumping out like a monkey to throw mud on me. And stop defining me–I have nothing to do with you,” she added.

Natalie was furious, not understanding why Jennifer constantly used her divorce against her. Jennifer was at a loss for words, stunned by Natalie’s retort.

At this moment, Luna asked nonchalantly, “Ms. Shawn, is Mr. Garcia your ex-husband?”

Natalie glanced at Luna, watching her warily. Luna rarely spoke, so it was odd for her to say anything now. Natalie nodded honestly, keeping her words brief. “Yes.”

Luna gave Easton a mocking look. “How could a man like that be worthy of you? Your taste was terrible.”

Easton couldn’t take it anymore, his face darkening.

Natalie sensed the coldness radiating from him, and she felt nervous for both herself and Luna.

With a smile in her eyes, she nodded in agreement. “Luna, you’ve hit the nail on the head. I must have been blind. Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

“Congratulations on getting back to who you were, Ms. Shawn. You’ve really broadened your perspective,” Luna replied, each word like a sharp blade.

Jennifer looked puzzled. “Natalie, what are you two talking about?”

Luna’s beautiful big eyes were immediately filled with amusement. Then, she squinted her eyes with a bright smile. “Ms. Simpson, what does it have to do with you?”

Jennifer stomped her foot in frustration. “Natalie, I just care about you…”

Natalie interrupted, still smiling. “Wow, what an amazing actress! Your time at the performing arts school really paid off. If you truly care about me, would you have stolen my husband?"

“If you truly care about me, would you have staged an entire act to frame me? Would you have taken credit for saving Mrs. Spencer? Would you think I’d embarrass you by being here? Or is there something wrong with your brain?” she sneered.